Territorial Army unit's closure fears spur dozens to sign up

Army bosses said they were pleased the recruitment drive for the Dudley-based Royal Mercian and Lancastrian Yeomanry was so successful with 50 people applying to join the unit.

A campaign was launched locally as part of a nationwide bid to boost reservist numbers to 30,000 in the next five years. But just weeks after the drive it was revealed the regiment could be split up to make way for a new Scottish Yeomanry. This could see the loss of around 100 soldiers in the Midlands.

During two open evenings at the Vicar Street centre, 80 people attended and 50 of those have since applied to join.

Captain Andy Peters, Permanent Staff Administration Officer, said: "During my 34 years in the Army, I have never seen anything like it and the success of the campaign has far exceeded all our expectations."

The Army has stressed, however, that no decisions have been made on the future of the regiment. Among those trying to make the grade at Dudley is Mark Evans, aged 39, from Rowley Regis.

Currently a classroom assistant at Grace Mary Primary School in Tividale, he was previously a regular in the RAF between the ages of 17 and 22. He also served with West Midlands Police in Stechford for nine years and also for British Transport Police but decided he missed the military. He said: "I am hoping to become a trooper or a medic."

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